TAAL Volcano in Batangas experienced a phreatic eruption late Friday night, spewing a 900-meter plume into the air, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The eruption, occurring at 11:51 p.m., lasted three minutes and was accompanied by volcanic tremor. Phivolcs defines phreatic eruptions as steam-driven explosions resulting from magma, lava, or hot rocks heating subsurface or surface water.
Despite the eruption, Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) remains in effect. Phivolcs’s Saturday morning bulletin noted that Taal Volcano emitted 5,868 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on January 8.
The agency strongly reiterates the prohibition of entry into Taal Volcano Island’s permanent danger zone (PDZ), particularly the Main Crater and Daang Kastilla fissures. Flights near the volcano are also strictly prohibited.
Phivolcs warns of potential hazards including steam-driven or phreatic/gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and dangerous accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gases.
